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I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter ....
I knew I wanted to write when I first began to read. To me it was just as
fun making up my own reality as it was to read about it.
I know I've succeeded....
When I get offered a second writing job. That way Iıll know I didnıt screw
it up too badly the first time! That - and knowing I'm still having a great
time doing what I love to do.
My inspiration to write THE PLANTATION.....
As an anthropology major in college, I loved to study religion,
superstitions and folklore. Haitian Voodoo had all of those and was the most exciting to study to me. Plus I love Zombie movies and smart
thrillers.
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FilmMakers
Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Ryan Harris: I wanted to write when I first began to read. To me it was just as
fun making up my own reality as it was to read about it.
FilmMakers Magazine: What did you do to prepare yourself to write your first script?
Ryan Harris: I had taken a couple screenwriting classes in college and I continue to be
in a screenwriting salon run by Joe Bratcher and Judy Farrell where I've
really learned to concentrate on the craft. I also read a lot of scripts -
itıs great to see how others visualize how their words translate to the
screen.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how
long did it take you to complete?
Ryan Harris: This was the second feature length screenplay I wrote. It took about a year
to complete in its current form. I still work on it anytime I get an interesting note.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Ryan Harris: I write and make deadlines for myself everyday. Evenings, after work are
when I can concentrate most. I have an small office set up in my garage
that separates me from the distractions in the house such as the TV, stereo,
cookies, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, phone calls, shiny things... you
"know, stuff."
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring
screenwriters and why?
Ryan Harris: I think they give you a better understanding of how your scripts stand up
when they're in the mix with a large pool of talent. Also - doing well in
a good contest can be a fantastic opportunity to get your foot in the door
with agents.
FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the
FilmMakers.com / The Radmin Company Screenwriting Competition?
Ryan Harris: I read Filmmakers Magazine and have heard a lot about the Radmin Company
which has broken several successful writers.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Ryan Harris: There are a ton of really "good scripts out there and easy to find." One
thatıs a fun read is Grosse Point Blank - a great example of a tight,
constantly fun screenplay. If you love a movie - do whatever you can to get
your hands on the script - see how it translates - feel out the pacing -
learn from its technique. It's always incredible to see the origin of a
great movie right there on the paper in front of you.
FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?
Ryan Harris: Along with feature writing, comedy TV writing is a huge passion of mine.
The process of going into work every day and working with other writers has
great appeal to me - not to mention the rush putting a show up in front of
live audience! So, yeah... that and Iım pretty good with a yo-yo.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?
Name the director you would love to work with and why?
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Ryan Harris: I really canıt think of a favorite screenwriter, director or actor. I
admire a huge range of styles, techniques and passionate visions that make
it onto the screen. Anyone who can challenge me as a viewer who through
their craft can piss me off, make me cry or or send me into a milk spurting
out of my nose laughing fit is doing a great job in my book.
FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?
Ryan Harris:
Everyone works differently and finds the best environment and
method for themselves. If you discover one that works, creating the discipline and
keeping the passion and drive to work as much as you can is key but the
most important thing is not to lose the joy of creating something new and
all your own in the process. So, yeah, that stuff and watch a lot of movies! That's a huge part of the fun!
FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?
Ryan Harris: Iım writing another thriller and polishing a comedic caper movie Iım also
continuously writing comedy TV specs.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?
Ryan Harris: I hope to be enjoying life - working regularly in TV while having the
opportunity to continue writing features.
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